Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) joined Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in introducing the International Trafficking Victims Protections Reauthorization Act (TVPRA). This legislation seeks to reauthorize and enhance critical programming essential to combating human trafficking worldwide.
“Human trafficking is one of the most horrific evils—not merely a heinous crime, but a blatant assault on the freedom and dignity of every human being. I’m proud to stand with Chairman Risch and Ranking Member Shaheen to reaffirm America’s global leadership to end modern-day slavery. By equipping President Trump with tools to combat forced labor and sex trafficking,the U.S. will continue to defend victims entrapped in brutal trafficking networks both here at home and around the world,” said Senator Budd.
“Human traffickers are the worst of the worst—whether it is smuggling people over our southern border, or the millions trapped in modern-day slavery—we must do all we can to stop this abuse and hold the perpetrators accountable. This bill will give the Trump Administration the tools to counter human trafficking both in and outside the U.S. and ensure that our allies are pulling their weight as well,” said Chairman Risch.
“Around the world, horrific acts of human trafficking continue to impact an estimated more than 27 million victims,” said Ranking Member Shaheen. “For years, the United States has led global efforts to prevent and respond to these despicable practices. That is why I am proud to reintroduce bipartisan legislation requiring the United States to remain committed to this fight. The work of the State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons should be bolstered, not hit with cuts to programs and staff as has unfortunately been the case. Today’s bill shows Congress’s commitment to ensure this work continues.”
Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) also co-sponsored the legislation.
Read the full bill text HERE.
BACKGROUND
Expanding upon the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, the TVPRA will:
1. Authorize the Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office)
2. Amend the U.S. Foreign Assistance Act to ensure a nation’s commitment and progress towards implementing effective counter-trafficking measures are factors when determining recipients of U.S. development assistance
3. Create new oversight mechanisms for heightened transparency on human trafficking reporting
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